Will of Jonathan Denn

of Littlebourne, Kent

Source: Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Vol.77 f.244
Transcribed by Brian Denn
In the name of God Amen, I Jonathan Denn of Littlebourne in the County of Kent, Yeoman
being sick and weak of body but of sound good understanding mind and memory taking into
consideration and uncertainty of this mortal life do publish and declare this my last Will and
Testament in manner and form following. First I commend my Soul to God who gave it and
my body to the Earth to be buried in the parish church of Littlebourne aforesaid.

Item I give to
my cousin Thomas Emptage of Bishopsbourne the sum of ten pounds to be paid unto him by
my Executrix within one year next after my decease and if the said Thomas Emptage shall
happen to depart this life before the said ten pounds shall become due to him then I give and
appoint the said ten pounds to be equally distributed amongst such children of the said
Thomas Emptage as shall survive him to be paid unto the said children at the end of one year
next after my decease.

Item I give unto my cousin Elizabeth Best widow the sum of fifty
shillings to be paid unto her within one year next after my decease.

Item I give unto my
loving wife Catherine Denn the sum of three hundred pounds due on a mortgage made to me
from Abraham Didier of the City of Canterbury, Merchant to be paid to me within three
months after the death of Elizabeth Denn of the City of Canterbury widow and relict of David
Denne late of Littlebourne aforesaid yeoman deceased and three months quiet enjoying of the
? and ? mentioned in the said mortgage by the said Abraham Didier.
Item I give unto my said
wife Catherine Denn all the residue of my goods chattels household stuff and personal estate
whatsoever and I do make and appoint my said wife Catherine Denn full and sole Executrix
of this my last Will and Testament.

Item I give and devise unto my said wife Catherine Denn
all that my messuage or tenement malthouse orchard and three acres of land more or less with
the appertuances in Littlebourne aforesaid and now in the occupation of John Harmon(?) and
Stephen Miles or of their assigns to have and to hold the said messuage or tenement
malthouse orchard and land with the appertuances to my ? wife Catherine Denn and her
assigns for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease then I give and devise
the messuage or tenement malthouse orchard and land with the appertuances unto such of my
relation or relations and his or their heirs as my said wife Catherine Denn by her last will and
testament in writing or by any other writing under her hand and seal shall nominate limit and
appoint to hold and enjoy the same.

Item I give unto Jonathan Denn son of my cousin John
Denn of Littlebourne aforesaid the sum of ten pounds to be paid unto him at his age of
eighteen years or within three months next after the decease of my Executrix which shall first
happen and my desire is that this my will may be quietly performed with as little trouble as
may be to my Executrix.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
seventeenth day of April in the four and thirtieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord
Charles the Second now King of England and in the year of our Lord 1682. Jonathan Denn.
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Jonathan Denn the Testator to be his last
Will and Testament in the presence ofR Benister, John ? John Eaton.